Social Class and Crime Flashcards
(30 cards)
Which social class is most represented in UK prison populations?
The working class.
What crimes are most associated with the working class?
Street crimes such as theft, assault, shoplifting, and vandalism.
What is white collar crime?
Crime committed through a person’s job for personal gain, e.g., fraud, embezzlement, insider tradi
What crimes are most associated with the middle class?
White collar crime, corporate crime, and cybercrime
What is corporate crime?
Crimes committed by companies to increase profits, e.g., health & safety violations, paying below minimum wage.
What is street crime (blue collar crime)?
→ Crime that usually occurs in public spaces, often by the working class, e.g., shoplifting or assault.
What is meant by selective law enforcement?
The CJS treats working class offenders more harshly than middle class offenders for similar crimes.
What is selective law creation?
Laws are made by and for the benefit of the ruling class, allowing them to avoid criminalisation.
What theory does Reiner use to explain crime across classes?
Strain Theory – both WC and MC may feel pressure to succeed financially, leading to crime.
How does Strain Theory explain MC crime?
Even wealthy individuals can feel pressure to maintain or increase their success, leading to white collar crime.
What is Hirschi’s Control Theory explanation?
The underclass lacks bonds to society (e.g., jobs, family), making them more likely to commit crime.
What does Murray argue about crime and class?
The underclass commits most street crime due to poor socialization and impulse control
What is criminogenic capitalism?
Gordon – Capitalism causes crime in all classes: WC turn to crime out of necessity or anger, MC to maximise wealth.
How does Gordon explain non-utilitarian crime?
As a way for the working class to express frustration and resistance to capitalist oppression.
How does Labelling Theory explain WC overrepresentation in crime stats?
The WC are targeted more by police and labelled as criminal, increasing their likelihood of conviction.
What does Becker say about labelling?
WC can’t negotiate the legal system like the MC, making them more vulnerable to criminal labels.
What is the Rational Choice explanation for MC crime?
MC individuals have the opportunity and access to commit white collar and corporate crime.
What is edgework in relation to MC crime?
Katz – MC may commit crime for thrill or excitement, especially in high-risk positions.
What does Messerschmidt argue about masculinity and crime?
MC men may commit white collar crime to assert masculinity or dominance.
What’s a major weakness of corporate crime research?
It’s hard to measure due to underreporting and in-house resolutions.
Why is corporate crime often overlooked in crime stats?
It’s under-policed and rarely prosecuted; often handled internally or with ombudsmen.
What stereotype exists around WC vs. MC offenders?
WC are seen as choosing to be criminal, MC as making mistakes.
Why is crime by the WC more visible in stats?
Police focus more on WC areas, and street crime is more easily detected.
What criticism is there of labelling theory?
It may overlook real offending and excuse criminal behaviour by blaming the system entirely.
